This is Harper's first visit since the flooding began more than 40 days ago. Wearing a blazer and slacks, Harper is dressed for meetings with officials -- not for sloshing through flood waters as other high-profile visitors have done.

The federal government has come under some criticism for its handling of the disaster.

Some residents and politicians argue the military presence was scaled down too quickly and Ottawa hasn't done enough to help.

About 3,000 homes have been flooded since the waters began rising in the Richelieu River and Lake Champlain basin.

Flood waters have gradually started to recede in recent days but still remain about a metre above normal June levels.